Smothering in a relationship

When you love someone, you want to give them all your love. But, it can lead to them feeling smothered in a relationship. Learn to love the right way.

The idea of “smothering” our spouse might sound odd, especially when you got married so you could spend the rest of your lives in union together. But feeling smothered in your marriage is a real issue that many of us don’t want to admit. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to spend quality time with your significant other. In fact, it’s a good thing. But it can become overwhelming when the desire feels forced or isn’t reciprocated. Smothering usually has good intentions behind it. You may be…

I’ve been to a bunch of weddings and I often hear the phrase “two become one” when talking about the commitment two people are making. It can bring about such warm sentiments thinking about how two people are melding their lives together. But if I think about this as a marriage and family therapist, it’s really an issue. When I counsel clients, I don’t tell them that they are becoming “one” with their commitment to marriage. Becoming “one” implies that you are giving up part of what makes…

We recently received a message on Facebook from a wife who was feeling frustrated, discouraged and hopeless in her marriage. To paraphrase her message,

Don't smother each other. No one can grow in the shade #relationships

Love isn't possessive, smothering, restrictive or stifling...... Love is acceptance and allowing the receiver of your love to truly be all that they are, fully and freely - Aurelia S.

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